Preparing students and families to thrive in the gene age

Restriction digest, 3D animation with no audio

Description:

To work with an individual gene, scientists searched for a technique to snip the gene free from the rest of the DNA sprawling around it. The discovery of restriction endonucleases – proteins that cut out regions of DNA – provided scientists with the "molecular scissors" they needed.
(DNAi Location: Manipulation > Revolution > Pieces of the puzzle > Restriction enzymes)

Transcript:

This animation shows how a restriction enzyme (in blue) moves along a DNA molecule (in red) and breaks the sugar-phosphate bonds, leaving behind what are known as "sticky ends."